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“That’s what you are trying to do. I think you need to realize that you were taught the truths of the human world, and this is something outside of that world, so of course it doesn’t fall within that truth.”
Jolene let her words sink in as she took a bite of steak and chewed. After she swallowed, she asked, “Are you saying I need to just accept what he’s telling me?”
Mama Hen chuckled. “I’m telling you to change your lens of critique. Have you witnessed any of them shift?”
She nodded. She had. Between Bullet and Rex, she’d seen shifting up close multiple times.
“And you’ve witnessed other abilities they possess, correct?”
Jolene thought about Bullet’s fast healing and Rex’s eyes glowing, and nodded.
“They exist. That is a fact. What he’s told you about their abilities is true. Why wouldn’t the mating thing be true? I’m not saying just believe it. I’m saying use the skills you’ve been taught, but look at it from another perspective. See if that clears things up a bit.”
“Makes sense,” Jolene uttered, right before they heard a ruckus across the room.
Glancing over, they saw a few of the Howlers giving the twin prospects shit. Jolene smiled as she watched and listened to the display. “Reminds me of…” She paused and then shrugged. “Well… that’s what happens when you’re smokin’ and jokin’.”
Mama Hen nodded and met her gaze. “BOHICA.”
Amused, they finished their meal, while Jolene made a promise to herself to look at the shifter situation with a different perspective.
Ranger
As a human in a group of shifters, Ranger often experienced jealousy regarding their abilities. There were times when he wished he had advanced strength or healing, and it wasn’t uncommon that he wished his vision was as strong as theirs. Usually, thinking about the bullshit shifters had to deal with reminded him of the cost they paid. It wasn’t worth it, in his opinion.
Eating his dinner at the table next to Mama Hen and Doc’s table, Ranger used the skills he was taught in the military to pretend he couldn’t hear the women’s conversation. He wasn’t really trying to eavesdrop, but he wasn’t tryingnotto hear them either.
For the most part, they weren’t talking about anything too juicy. It wasn’t a surprise that someone like Doc would have issues accepting the magic of the shifters.
It wasn’t until the phrasesSmokin’ and Jokin’andBOHICA,which stood forBend over, here it comes again,were used that his interest increased. They weren’t terms that civilians used, but they were commonly used by soldiers. Mama Hen using the phrases was one thing. There were things about her past that lent to her being from some branch of the military or government service. It was Doc’s use of one of the phrases that had him mentally standing at attention. Did she just pick up the phrase from hanging with Mama Hen, or was there more there?
Ranger didn’t know, but he sure as hell was going to try to find out.
Twenty-Three
Rex
StandingwithDragonandTop near the bar in the main room of the clubhouse, Rex sipped his beer and watched as Ginger helped Avery, her and Top’s oldest, with her makeup. One of her friends was sitting next to her and attempting to do her hair. The frustrated growl that came from the young lady had all three of the men wincing.
“What are you trying to do?” Ginger voiced the question but kept her focus on applying Avery’s eyeshadow.
“I was going to French braid the sides, but… UGH!”
Rex looked at Dragon, who was looking in his direction. They both shrugged and stepped forward. Rex approached one side, and Dragon the other. “What’s your name, sweetie?”
The young girl looked from him to Dragon and back again before she stuttered out, “S-S-Sandra.”
Rex gave her a gentle smile. “Nice to meet you, Sandra. I’m Rex. He’s Dragon. If you’re okay with it, we can help you.”
“Y-You know how to… braid?”
After a nod, Rex replied, “All kinds of braids.”
The gazes of the three other young girls sitting around the table shot in their direction, shock on their faces. One of them, a redhead who could have been Ginger’s child, asked, “Can you teach us?”
“Sure,” Rex answered. “Let us take care of Sandra’s braids, then we’ll do a quick tutorial.”
In a matter of three minutes, they had French braided both sides of Sandra’s head. She was astounded by it and very appreciative. Rex told her she was welcome, but Dragon just shrugged off her appreciation. He’d never been good with that sort of thing.
